The number of competitors is irrelevant.
The people who working with the same problems are using the same methods. Because experienced people have a common background / common sense.
Even the lightbulb and radio has track conflicting claims.
Now the situation is completely absurd.

but don't forget that the public has the ability to weigh in on patents before they're awarded.

So you suggest that all engineers should hire patent lawyers just to monitor the current "patent horizon" and read through all patent database after they write a line of code/solder a chip.

Patents exist only for benefit of corporations/trolls today. Small company/individual who actually develop/produce may not have enough resources.
I don't have issues with USPTO. Seems I live in more civilized region =)